Racing: Kieren Fallon arrested in 'race-fixing' probe

The champion jockey Kieren Fallon was among 16 people arrested today in an investigation into corruption within horse racing, sources said.

The champion jockey Kieren Fallon was among 16 people arrested today in an investigation into corruption within horse racing, sources said.

Two other jockeys and a trainer were also held in the probe into alleged race fixing.

More than 130 police officers raided 19 addresses across Suffolk, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Hertfordshire, and arrested suspects for conspiracy to defraud.

It is understood the allegations involve more than 80 races over the last two years around the country.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilmott of City of London Police, which is heading the probe, said: "Of the people we have arrested three are jockeys and one is a horse trainer.

"We have amassed a large amount of information, including computer records and documentation seized today, and will now commence the detailed task of examining it all."

The City of London Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Bowron added: "The City of London Police are leading this complex investigation with assistance from police in Suffolk, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

"We are leaders in the investigation of economic Crime and are very experienced in dealing with large-scale fraud cases.

"We are very pleased to have taken the lead role in this operation, which spans the whole of the country. This case is of great national significance not just to the racing community but to the wider public throughout the UK."

The arrested persons are still in custody and the investigation continues, police added.